issn: 2278-6236 transition process in …farm system refers to a particular arrangement of farming...
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International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 18
TRANSITION PROCESS IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE: A CASE STUDY OF ERODE
DISTRICT IN TAMIL NADU
Dr. C.A Paari*
M. Elangovan**
Abstract: The farming system and transition processing of organic farming have been
examined and the under organic farming has been assessed with respect to important
sustainability indicators such as conservation of soil, water, power and farmers economic
well-being and livelihood security. The study is based on data for 2009-10 collected from 30
organic farming sample households from the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The organic
farming is labour intensive, but its cost of cultivation is lower due to saving on chemical
fertilizers, irrigation, seeds and agrochemicals. The yield on organic farmer has been
reported lower but it is more than compensated by the price premium received and yield and
profit stability observed on the organic farming. In addition, the organic farming has been
found superior in terms of economic well being and livelihood security of the farmer.
Keywords: Environment, transition, framing system, organic, conventional, health, yield, low
cost , soil, employment and sustainable.
*Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Erode Arts & Science College
(Autonomous), Erode
** Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Economics, Erode Arts & Science College
(Autonomous), Erode
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 19
I. INTRODUCTION
Farm system refers to a particular arrangement of farming enterprise e.g cropping, livestock
– keeping, processing farm products that are managed in response to the physical, biological
and social economics environment and in according with the farmers’ goals, preferences
and resources (Shaner et al 1982) Individual farms with enterprises arrangement in a similar
way are said to practice that particular farming system. Farming is used here in a wide sense
to include not only crops and livestock but also other natural resources available to the farm
household, including resources held in common with others. Hence the given below
concepts flow of goods and services of farm system.
Goods and services of farm system is a unique agroeco system a combination of physical
and biological resources such as land forms, soil, water plants (wild plants, tress and crops)
and animals . By influencing the components of this agro eco-system and their interactions
the farm household obtains output or products such as crops, wood and animals. To keep
the production process going, the household needs inputs e.g. seeds energy, nutrients,
water. Internal inputs are those harvested on the farm, rain water, sediments, nitrogen
fixed from the air or produced on the farm e.g., animal traction, wood, manure, fodder,
family labor and learning experiences. External inputs are those obtained from outside the
farm e.g., information, hired labor, fossil fuel, mineral fertilizers, chemical biocides,
irrigation water, tools, machinery, and services.
The output can be used as internal inputs, consumer by the farm household (reproducing
farm labor) or sold, exchange or give away. During the production process, some losses
occur as a result of for example, leaching or violating of nutrients or soil erosion. The sales
provide cash which can be used to buy different goods or services e.g., food clothes,
education, transport, to pay taxes and or to obtain in direct exchange for output.
II. FEATURES OF FARMING SYSTEMS
During early days of human civilization, agriculture was without external inputs and
subsequently improvement in science and technology has taken agriculture as more
commercial and consequently became unsustainable. Large scale external inputs were used
to grow more food grains to meet the increasing population and land being inelastic
resource; it was needed to increase the productivity from a given parcel of land termed as
High External Input Agriculture (HEIA). Such development took place more in industrialized
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 20
countries and they had trade advantages and slowly, developing countries also followed the
suit although the potential has not been taped fully. However, across the world the
agriculture is becoming more commercial and external input are extensively used with
intensive cultivation practices. On the part of the state many supportive programs (including
direct and indirect subsidies) were launched to protect agriculture especially in developed
countries. Consequently modern and commercial agriculture system emerged and
evaluation studies show that agriculture under this system has negative implications like
uneconomical, class disparity, environmental degradation and technically not feasible and in
the long run unsustainable (Reijntjes et al, 1992). Also local knowledge system developed
and practiced over generations, have replaced by laboratory made agricultural packages.
Alternative to HEIA, states, NGOs across the world are attempting to develop a framework -
Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) – for promoting Sustainable
Agriculture Development (SAD) (IFOAM, 2002) Farming systems can be classified into three
types based on the inputs use.
Traditional agriculture.
Conventional or modern agriculture.
Organic agriculture.
Traditional agriculture means subsistence oriented farming system using low external
inputs. Conventional or modern agriculture aims at production maximization through the
use of external inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and labor saving but
energy extensive farm machinery. Ecological agricultural system is based on ecological
principles and applying ecological practices to maintain soil fertility, to manage crop and
animal health, and to keep soil and water in a good condition without the use of chemical
inputs for e.g., synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Ecological agriculture which is
used synonymously to organic agriculture produces organic products. These features of the
farming systems are summarized in the following Table: 1.1.
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 21
TABLE - 1.1
CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMING SYSTEMS
Farming System
Features Traditional
Conventional
Organic
Productivity Sustainability Farm complexity Environment Diversity Production Orientation External Inputs (Seeds) Chemical Fertilizers Use of Biocides
Low Moderate Complex Diverse Subsistence Local Low Low
High Low Simple Uniform Market HYVs High High
High High Complex Diverse Subsistence/ market Improved local varieties Nil Nil
Source: Werf and Narayan, (1989).
The above table 1.1 shows that, conventional or modern agriculture system has limited
advantages on issues like application of external inputs like fertilizers, pesticides and farm
complexity as compared with ecological agriculture. While other aspect like sustainability is
found high under ecological agriculture, it is quite low from the conventional or modern
farming system. The three systems are also referred to Natural Farming System, Inorganic
(Modern) Farming System and Ecological (Organic) Farming System. Natural Farming System
which is also Conventional Farming System is considered as a primitive and extensive
farming system which gives low production. In order to improve productivity and increase
production, new technology based Farming System was introduced which heavily depends
on seed – chemical fertilizers –technology package during 1960’s. This resulted in ‘green
revolution’. Though production increased substantially due to this new Farming System, it is
not sustainable. The realization that Inorganic Farming System is not environmentally
sustainable lead to the introduction and promotion of Organic Farming System. Organic or
Ecological Farming System is a modified form of Natural Farming System and Inorganic
Farming System. It is carried out by using internal farm and home produced low cost natural
organic, biological inputs instead of chemical inputs.
There are several research studies, which have shown that Organic Farming System is
designed to create eco friendly, and pollution free environment, ecological balance and
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 22
microenvironment. It is also looked up on as an important and sustainable alternative in
order to reduce cost of production, environmental pollution and ensuring food safety (Patra
et al 2004) during the past four decades, stress was laid on intensive agriculture practices in
the process of attaining higher levels of food production to keep pace with population
growth. Though, India has become self sufficient in food production over the years, it has
resulted in serious environmental degradation and health hazards to mankind, animal and
the biodiversity. The technologies generated over the past four decades were not in tune
with the natural resources base and environment in different parts of the world. Increasing
crop yields meant intensification in the use of fertilizers and pesticides in crop production
that becomes unsustainable in the long run.
III. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Dabbert and Madden (1998) in their study note that an established organic farm can be as
profitable as a conventional farm under certain circumstances. However, organic farming
system often require a transition period before they are fully established after a changeover
from conventional farming yields may decrease and recover only slowly during this
transition period and less profitable crop rotation may be required to establish an organic
system. This study reported here used a multiyear simulation model to investigate the trend
in income of a 117-hectare crop livestock farm in Pennsylvania during the transition process.
Rajendran (1998) observes that all the selected farms, in the study, except one, were
practicing modern farming over the years before conversion and all the farmers belong to
farming community by tradition, who have gradually, ranging from 3 to 7 years, shifted
some portion of their modern farming to organic farming system. According to scientist and
the farmers, as reported by the author the period of transition depends upon the chemical
contamination of the soil due to modern farming and the quantum of organic matter
applied on the soil during transition process. Factors like low cost of various inputs, which
are needed for organic farming and health consciousness influence all farmers to shift
modern to organic farming. Products from local crop varieties under organic system tested
well and preferred by farmers. Less than 50 percent of the selected farmers reported that
an increase in yield influences them to make the transformation. Though it is a field-based
study, does not cover many crops and hence lacks methodological soundness.
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 23
Siwar and Hossain (2002) in their study on ‘Sustainable Agriculture: Issues, Experience and
Challenges’ noted that sustainable agriculture integrates three goals environmental health,
economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Making the transition to sustainable
agriculture is a process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally
requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals influence how
fast or low far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realize that each small
decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the
sustainable agriculture continuum.
Kler and Walia (2004) in their study on “Organic farming – A fruitful Technology for
Sustainable Agriculture” find that organic farming is more than just abandoning chemicals
but it requires the elimination of persistent chemicals from soil. Therefore, there is need of
conversion period from chemicals to organic farming. The period is decided on the basis of
the previous use of land. Generally a three years transition period is required to convert
from chemical to organic farming. The quality of agricultural produce will definitely improve
with organic farming without losing quantity and it will be without residues of any inorganic
chemical. Soil health will also improve. Agro-ecosystem can be maintained with organic
farming system.
Reddy (2005) concludes that organic farming practices cuts down the production costs,
increases the benefit cost ratio and farm income. In the present scenario of Indian
agricultural market, reduction in the cost of production and risks in crop failure are relevant
considerations of the farmer. During the transition period of farm conversions, capital
investments are high on labor, organic matter and farm structure. Therefore, partial
conversions of farms shall be either in parts of through integrated farming systems so that
farmers are not put to economic constraints in their efforts.
Independent research, Siddaraju (2008) in his comprehensive study on comparative
analysis of organic and conventional farming revels that transition is a complex but slow
taste. It depends upon the farmer’s real interest in shifting the conventional farming to
organic farming in the state of Karnataka.
Rajendran and Tholkappian (2010) in their study on “Is Organic in Farming a Panacea for
Food and Nutritional Security in India?” in their article observe that the modern farming
system enabled to increase the food grain production substantially. Compounded with this,
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 24
environmental degradation, loss in biodiversity and so on has been noticed. This has made
individual thinkers to find alternative model and organic agriculture is found as sustainable
and viable. In India many individuals and NGOs have been actively engaged in this domain.
Nevertheless, there are some obstacles especially in marketing the organic products.
Marketing for both inputs and output is found as either weak or underdeveloped.
Appropriate and timely intervention will help solve the marketing problems. In this
connection the filed experiences in Erode, Thanjavur district and elsewhere reveal that
though the spread of organic farming is found as slow, it has much advantage like
environment sustainability, crop diversity, economic viability and technical feasibility.
Though it is an exploratory exercise, the sample farms are highly skewed. It is observed
from the above that the transition from conventional to organic depend various agro-
economic features. Due to poor scientific methodological framework it is not possible to
arrive at clear understanding. Therefore, the present exercise has been taken up for a
comprehensive exploration.
IV. OBJECTIVES
1. To trace out perspective of the organic farming system.
2. To study the transition pattern of organic farming in the study area.
V. DATA AND METHODOLOGHY
The present paper was conducted in Tamil Nadu. The state has been purposefully selected
due to the availability of data base relating to organic farmers. Organic scientist publishes
source in “Green Farm Dairy” and documents are preferred for “Dhalanmai Farmers
Association” in Erode. Apart from this government of TamilNadu and NGO’s has initiated
several programmers to provide training in organic farming in Erode district have been
selected for the present study as the concentration of organic growers is more in these
district. Erode district were selected for primary data collection. These districts were
purposefully selected because of the concentration of organic farmers in these districts.
There are 30 organic farmers, located in Erode. The study covered all the 30 farmers
practicing organic farming system.
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 25
VI. STATISTICAL TOOLS USE
In order to determine the impact of farm specific variables on the technical efficiency scores
generated by Frontier Production Function, multiple regression analysis was used.
The following regression model is specified.
TE = a + b1 x1+ b2 x2+ b3 x3 + b4 x4, e
Where
x1 The age of the head of the family
x2 Education background (dummy), if graduate 1, otherwise 0
x3 Training (dummy), if trained 1, otherwise 0
x4 Experience in cultivation more than 5 years 1, otherwise 0
b1, b2, b3 and b4 are respective regression coefficients.
VII. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Transition is the process of conversion from conventional agriculture to organic agriculture.
After the introduction of all necessary changes, it might take some time before the
transition is completed. Conventional farming system depends on external inputs and is
market oriented. On the other hand, organic farming is based on organic principles of
nature and depends more on inputs produced on farm itself. The production under to
organic agriculture need not necessarily for subsistence. The growers may have several
objectives in shifting from conventional system of cultivation to organic system. Sample
growers were asked about for how long they have been practicing organic farming.
Experience of organic farmers is presented in Table 1.2 Perhapes this will give some
direction of the transition process.
TABLE - 1.2
EXPERIENCE OF ORGANIC FARMERS
SI.No No of Years No of Farmers
1 <- 2 years 7 (24)
2 2 to 7 years 14 (46)
3 > -7 years 9 (30)
Total 30 (100)
Source: Primary Data
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 26
The experience of the farmers is categorized into three group’s viz., those below 2 years, 2
to 7 years and above 7 years. Majority of the farmers are practicing between 2 to 7 years.
Out of the total 24 per cent have an experience of below 2 years and 46 per cent have been
having between 2 and 7 years of experience. Another 30 per cent of the farmers have more
than 7 years of experience in Erode district organic farmers
VIII. REASONS FOR TRANSITION
Information on what made the selected farmers to switch over to organic farming system
from conventional farming system was gathered. In many cases majority of the farmers
reported that transition from modern agriculture to ecological agriculture was due to the
possibility of producing healthy food, environmental protection and soil fertility
management. A detailed analysis of one perennial and two seasonal crops (maize and
paddy) and five annual crops (sugarcane, turmeric, banana and tapioca and) is presented in
table 1.3.
TABLE – 1.3
REASONS FOR TRANSITION FROM CONVENTIONAL AGRICULTURE TO ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE
Reason for transition
Coconut Maize Paddy Sugarcane Turmeric Banana Tapioca Total
Cost is low 5 (17.2)
7 (24.08)
10 (34.4)
4 (13.76)
6 (20.64)
2 (6.88)
9 (30.96)
43 (13.49)
Health 10
(34.4) 4
(13.76) 5
(17.2) 6
(20.64) 3
(10.32) 9
(30.96) 2
(6.88) 39
(15.91)
Employment 9
(30.96) 6
(20.64) 6
(20.64) 5
(17.2) 5
(17.2) 11
(37.84) 8
(27.2) 50
(16.26)
Soil Fertility 6
(20.64) 8
(27.2) 14
(48.16) 8
(27.2) 12
(41.28) 8
(27.2) 4
(13.76) 67
(20.41)
Environment 12
(41.28) 3
(10.32) 7
(24.08) 2
(65.88) 7
(24.08) 7
(24.08) 7
(24.08) 45
(20.41)
Yield 8
(27.2) 4
(13.76) 4
(13.76) 10
(34.4) 4
(13.76) 3
(10.32) 6
(20.64) 39
(13.49)
Source: Survey Data
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 27
Note: Values within brackets represent percentage to total growers (Percentage don’t add
to 100 due to multiple responses)
Many reasons are expressed by coconut growers for transition from conventional
agriculture to organic agriculture. According to 41.28 per cent of grower they have shifted
as it protects environment table 7.8. In their opinion, by shifting it reduces soill erosion due
to chemical use. It helps in maintaining soil fertility so that there can be sustainable yield in
future. For these growers, sustainable of agriculture is important and they are aware that by
switching over to ecological agriculture soil fertility can be retained. In recent years paddy
farmers are practicing organic agriculture due to different reasons. According to selected
farmers, more than 48.16 per cent of the total farmers have shifted from conventional
agriculture to organic agriculture, in order to maintain soil fertility. Paddy farmers also said
that organic agriculture prodces more healths food compared to conventional agriculture.
Cost of cultivation is high in organic agriculture compared to conventional agriculture,
because initially more investment is required in organic agriculture. In the case of maize,
27.2 per cent of grower they have shited as it protects environment. In their opinion, by
shifted it reduces soil erosion due to chemical uses. According to some growers, by using
organic fertilizer the balance in the saoil health can be maintained. The other important
factor is health consciousness.
According to sugarcane, 65.8 per cent of the total farmers have transformed from
conventional agriculture to organic agriculture due to soil fertility maintenance and
environmental factors like pollution control, sustainability and water management etc.
sugarcane farmers also opined that organic agriculture creates more employment compared
to modern agriculture. For banana, 37.84 per cent of the total farmers have shifted from
agriculture to organic agriculture due to environmental factors like pollution control,
sustainability, water management etc. Health 30.32 per cent and soil fertility 27.2 per cent
are the other factors that have influenced the farmers to shift from conventional agriculture
to organic agriculture. Regarding to turmeric, 41.28 per cent of the total farmers have
shifted from conventional agriculture to organic agriculture because they believe that it
leads to soil fertlity increased. Turmeric farmers also opined that organic agriculture creates
more employment compared to conventional agriculture. Only 20.64 per cent of the
farmers shifted because they think that cost of cultivation is low under organic agriculture.
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Management and Social Sciences ISSN: 2278-6236
Vol. 1 | No. 6 | December 2012 www.garph.co.uk IJARMSS | 28
According tapioca 30.88 per cent of the total farmers have shifted from conventional
agriculture to organic agriculture because they belive that it leads to cost of cultivation low.
More than 24.08 per cent of the total farmers have transforted from conventional
agriculture to oirganic agriculture due to soil fertility increased. Tapioca farmers also opined
that organic created more employment compareted to conventional agriculture.
IX. CONCLUSION
The farm system is a unique agroeco system a combination of physical and biological
resources such as land forms, soil, water plants (wild plants, tress and crops) and animals
(wild and domestic). By influencing the components of this agro eco-system and their
interactions the farm household obtains output or products such as crops, wood and
animals. To keep the production process going, the household needs inputs e.g. seeds
energy, nutrients, water. Internal inputs are those harvested on the farm, rain water,
sediments, nitrogen fixed from the air or produced on the farm e.g., animal traction, wood,
manure, fodder, family labor and learning experiences. In this connection many reason are
expressed by coconut grower for transition from modern agriculture to ecological
agriculture. In their opinion, by shifting it reduces soil erosion due to the use of chemical. It
helps in maintaining soil fertility so that there can be sustainability yield in future. For these
growers, sustainability of agriculture is important and they are aware that by switching over
to ecological agriculture soil fertility can be retained. According to some of growers, by using
organic fertilizer can be retained. According to some of the growers, by using fertilizer the
balance in the soil health can be mainted. The other important factor is health consciousess.
Cost of cultivation, employment and yield are the economic reason for the transition given
by the grower. The data also supported that argument that yield and employment
generation are more in ecological agriculture compared to conventional agriculture. But
contrary to the expection cost of cultivation is more in organic agriculture. Simillarly
Initiatives from the state, civil societies and scientists for promoting organic farming will
improve this sector. Due to health, economic and environment reasons, people demand
more of chemical for food items. This is more evident from the data for global level. Middle
income households in domestic market also look out for such products. Hence
comprehensive and continuous efforts must be intimated on this right direction.
International Journal of Advanced Research in
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